upn-taipei news-bank-2010-12-20-14-Celebrate Blue Christmas Eve with Citibank at 2010 Taipei Christmas City

Celebrate Blue Christmas Eve with Citibank at 2010 Taipei Christmas City
Christmas fortune boxes sold for fundraising drive

As part of the Citi-United Way Fundraising Campaign, a charity sale of Christmas fortune boxes was held today, December 19. All income will be donated through United Way of Taiwan (UWT) to help disadvantaged groups.

With a cash donation of NT$300, participants would be able to win grand prizes including round-trip plane tickets to Hong Kong. The event marked another highlight after the lighting ceremony turned the Taipei Christmas City to a blue world yesterday, December 18.

One donation creates double happiness

As Christmas and year-end countdown events are approaching, the Xinyi district in Taipei is holding a series of festival-related events with colorful decorations put in place. The most eye-catching spot is the Taipei Christmas City constructed on the Chante Square, co-sponsored by Taipei City Government, Finland Trade Center and Citibank Taiwan.

At the Taipei Christmas City today, 500 Christmas fortune boxes containing a variety of prizes were available for sale. Most participants said they feel happy that spending NT$300 can both buy themselves a Christmas present and help those in need, no matter whether they win big prizes.
Citibank Taiwan Chairman Victor Kuan said the charity sale of Christmas fortune boxes fills the Taipei Christmas City with the festive atmosphere of warmth and gratitude. More people would therefore have the opportunity to display the fundraising campaign’s spirits of “1+1>2.” He also thanked the companies for donating goods and products for the charity sale so that the Citi-United Way Fundraising Campaign would be able to benefit more disadvantaged groups and help them realize their dreams.
Among the numerous groups that performed at the celebratory event today were the children from Shengyang Kindergarten, who once again showed up at the fundraising campaign to perform Christmas songs and dances. In addition, the championship team from the street dancing competition held by Taipei Rapid Transit Corp was invited to perform. Their energetic dances instantly heated up the atmosphere at the Taipei Christmas City.

Dozens of companies throw support behind the charity sale

UWT’s Director-General Yong-du, Wei said it is a great honor to have solicited support from various companies, which sponsor products for the fortune box sale. These include moisture gel cream from DHC Taiwan, windproof scarves from GORE-TEX® Products, and slippers from the non-profit organization Anhsin Workshop in Kaohsiung.

In addition, Camelia magazine, Chopsticks Food Co, Iprimo Diamond, Sparitual, Bulaobusi Hot Spring Resort, JY Food Corp, Yongda Tea Shop and Younger International Corp have sponsored a wide variety of goods to demonstrate the fundraising campaign’s spirits of “1+1>2.” Their participation hopefully will generate an increasing number of happy endings in the stories of love.

Passion and love prevail at Taipei Christmas City
To maximize the fundraising effect, Citibank Taiwan and UWT have prepared additional gifts for donors at the fundraising campaign’s booth on the Chante Square. Citibank credit cardholders who make donations of NT$2,000 or more on the cards will be awarded a NT$200 voucher at designated restaurants. An additional Vieshow Cinemas ticket will be given when their donations top NT$5,000.
Moreover, a series of performances will be given on Citibank’s Blue Christmas Eve next Friday, December 24. A mini jazz concert will be held between 12pm and 2pm on the plaza outside Citibank’s headquarters, close to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store’s A8. A parade will start at 4:30pm on Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Chante Square, followed by an evening party on the plaza at 7pm.
Santa Claus and Christmas fairies from Finland will join the public on December 25 and 26 to celebrate the holidays. Bring your camera and have fun.



Program schedules on Citibank’s Blue Christmas Eve at 2010 Taipei Christmas City
Time Activity Location



12pm - 2pm Christmas mini jazz concert Plaza outside Citibank’s headquarters at
1 Songzhi Road
4pm Inauguration ceremony for Citibank’s Christmas Marketing Wall Citibank branch on 1st floor of 1 Songzhi Road
4:30pm Citibank’s Blue Christmas Eve parade Xinyi district / Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Chante Square
7pm Citibank’s Blue Christmas Eve evening party Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Chante Square
11am - 4pm
Saturday, December 25
11am - 7pm
Sunday, December 26 Photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Christmas fairies from Finland Main stage on Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Chante Square
(Note: Organizers reserve the right to modify the events)

Supporting charity drives becomes easier

The Citi-United Way Fundraising Campaign this year activates more donations channels to make it simpler and more convenient for the public. Donors may make contributions via UWT’s official website and the charity platform of Yahoo Kimo, or fill out donations forms at Citibank’s branches nationwide. In addition, Taiwan Mobile subscribers can dial the free hotline at 518099 on their mobile phone, and Citibank credit cardholders can make donations via online banking and the newly added Citi Mobile Life (dialing 55121 or surfing the website at http://mobile.citibank.com.tw on mobile phones).
The 2010 Citi-United Way Fundraising Campaign will run through February 28, 2011. Each single donation of NT$3,000 will be rewarded with one Scarf Sweet Heart Bunny and a single donation of NT$5,000 will be rewarded with a pair of Scarf Sweet Heart Bunny and Carrot Sweet Heart Bunny. A total of 18,000 bunnies are in stock waiting to meet compassionate donors.
UWT and Citibank invite everyone to express their love with real action. To make donations, please dial the campaign’s hotline at (02) 2378-2256 ext. 9, or visit the websites at www.unitedway.org.tw or www.citibank.com.tw.


About Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.